"All towns have been very supportive, and I know it's because the people in these communities have trust in the planning of (previous superintendent) Charlie Lyons," said Broadrick, who took over at the beginning of October. "When he said this is what we're going to do, this is the cost, and this is how long it's going to take, those things always came true.

Shawsheen Valley Tech s athletic fields will have a new look in the coming years. Superintendent Tim Broadrick looks over the three-phase plan that will bring a new turf football field, track, bleachers, tennis courts and more to the school s campus.
SUN/RICK SOBEY

"So I'm very lucky to follow that," he added. "I'm following a superintendent who understands municipal finance. He did it as well as anyone who's done the job."

Now Broadrick is trying to repeat Lyons' performance, starting with the athletic complex.

A recent needs assessment of the athletic complex showed that the facilities are inadequate for the amount they're used. As a result, this three-phase athletic complex plan is moving along swiftly.

Phase I, which will cost just over $6 million, was recently approved by the district's School Committee. It will include a new turf football field with lights, bleachers, press box, track and five tennis courts.

The phase will also bring a new turf baseball field to the complex.

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Lacrosse and soccer games will take place in the outfield.

On the day after graduation in June, officials hope to break ground on the project. If all goes according to plan, the football team will start hosting games on the turf field in September.

"The engineer (Gale Engineering) tells me it can happen," Broadrick said. "If we move quickly, we can do it."

The track today is ripped up, but the new track will be a rubbery surface built to last, he said.

In addition, the track will have eight lanes for the 100-meter dash, which means Shawsheen Tech will be eligible to host league championships.

Broadrick also envisions youth and adult leagues taking advantage of the turf field.

"It's to benefit both our students and the communities," he said.

Phases II and III will most likely take place in a couple years. Each phase will cost in the $500,000 to $650,000 range.

Phase II includes two new grass practice fields for soccer, football and lacrosse.

Phase III will reposition a softball field so the two softball fields don't overlap. Today, when the softball teams play games on both fields at the same time, someone can get hurt from a collision or from a ball hit a long way into the adjacent field.

"We're very excited, very excited about this project," said Athletic Director Al Costabile. "It's been on the minds of a lot of people to see improvements. We're excited about the whole facility, and everyone will benefit from it."

Billerica Selectmen Chair John Piscatelli said residents will be able to benefit from the project.

"Anytime they can make improvements is great for the community," Piscatelli said. "It's a great asset located in town."

The $6 million phase of the project will only cause a minor increase in the member communities' capital budget because Lyons, built up "free cash" -- excess and deficiencies to limit the impact of projects -- Broadrick said.

In Billerica, the capital assessment will jump from $424,695 for 2015-16 to $444,170 in 2016-17 -- a $19,475 increase. Then the assessment will increase by $34,303 the following fiscal year, and $32,709 in 2018-19.

In Wilmington, the capital assessment will grow from $163,445 in 2015-16 to $170,940 in 2016-17 -- a $7,495 increase. The budget will then go up $13,202, followed by a $12,588 increase.

In Tewksbury, the capital assessment will go from $239,588 in 2015-16 to $250,575 in 2016-17 -- a $10,987 increase. The following two fiscal years will have a $19,352 jump and an $18,453 increase.

Bedford and Burlington, which send the fewest students to the school district, will see increases of less than $10,000 each through 2018-19.

Meanwhile, Shawsheen Tech will host an open house this week for students interested in attending the school. The open house is on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m.

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